Chapter 37 ………………………………………
“I thought you should know where Eddie’s heart truly lies, Aunt.”
“What do you mean?”
“Eddie is not just someone’s husband. He is the head of the Grand Duke Mason’s household. If he has fallen into some improper temptation, then as an elder of the family, you must guide him back onto the right path.”
“Improper temptation?”
At the Marchioness of Devon’s question, Rizaina lowered her voice.
Her attitude was as if she were revealing something extremely important, and the Marchioness leaned in to listen.
“I think the head maid may have used some wicked scheme. Even in Solton, there have been people who fell into that kind of sorcery.”
Rizaina let out a sigh, as though she couldn’t believe it herself.
“She’s using dark magic to cloud Eddie’s eyes and control him however she pleases.”
“So you need my power?”
“Yes. Aunt, you must help.”
At Rizaina’s words, the Marchioness narrowed her eyes. There were too many suspicious parts to accept it immediately.
But she was already standing at the edge of a cliff—too desperate to ignore it entirely.
If Edwin truly is under some wicked spell…
Simply reporting and resolving such a matter might allow her to regain the Emperor’s favor.
After all, Edwin was, without question, the child the Emperor cherished most after Hestia.
And if Hestia is gone… he is also the next heir to the throne.
The Marchioness’s mind raced.
Still—
“And why should I believe you and cooperate?”
She had already been deceived by Rizaina once before. She couldn’t trust her easily.
“You must want something too. That’s why you came to me with this story.”
“It’s a misunderstanding, Aunt.”
Rizaina placed her teacup down calmly.
“I simply don’t want to share Eddie’s affection with anyone else. I have no other purpose.”
“So if I clean up this mess, you’ll monopolize Edwin’s favor?”
“You may see it that way.”
Rizaina almost tried to argue, then realized it was pointless and shamelessly continued.
“But would I be the only one who benefits? You might regain not only Eddie’s affection, but even the Emperor’s heart as well.”
“That’s only your assumption.”
“Then at least listen to what I have to say first.”
Rizaina gently stroked the teacup as she spoke.
“It won’t be too late to judge afterward.”
***
“My aunt came to the Grand Duke’s estate?”
At Trisha’s question, Jane nodded.
“Yes. But it doesn’t seem like she came to meet anyone in particular.”
“So she’s acting as if she belongs here, not as a guest, like before.”
Trisha had expected her to stay quiet for a while after Edwin had humiliated her, so this was surprising.
What had shaken the Marchioness’s heart?
The answer was simpler than expected.
“A few days ago, Princess Rizaina visited the Marchioness of Devon.”
“The princess?”
“Yes. They apparently had tea together for about two hours.”
Tea time…
They weren’t close enough to sit together leisurely like that.
As Trisha thought further, one possibility flashed through her mind.
“Should we find out what they talked about?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Trisha’s gaze shifted toward Rizaina, who was strolling through the garden with her maid.
“I think I already know what the princess said.”
It was the same divisive tactic Rizaina had used in her past life.
She would drive two people into conflict, then step in as the mediator to solidify her own favor.
Such a Rizaina-like idea.
This time, Trisha decided to watch calmly.
Because Rizaina’s target wasn’t her.
Aunt and I don’t share enough trust or belief for that.
Their relationship had already fractured completely after Edwin handed household authority over to Trisha.
So what meaning would there be in trying to frame her now?
“Thanks to the princess, I have less work to do.”
“Pardon? Did she do something helpful for Your Highness?”
Trisha smiled in response, but Jane frowned uneasily.
“So even she has her uses…”
“Yes. In this way, she’s quite useful.”
Trisha withdrew her gaze from Rizaina.
“Our dear princess, that is.”
***
The Marchioness of Devon’s cold eyes passed through the lobby and landed on the head maid.
“Greetings, Marchioness.”
Grace bowed her head politely, but inside the Marchioness’s chest, flames of fury burned.
It was because of her conversation with Rizaina a few days ago.
“That ring wasn’t with Your Highness. The head maid had it. And she seemed to have received many other jewels as well.”
“…What?”
“As you know, Eddie is affectionate. After everything, the Grand Duchess handed the ring back to Eddie, and the head maid must have found out.”
The Marchioness didn’t need to hear more to understand.
Edwin had always been especially weak toward the woman who raised him—his nurse, now the head maid.
His mother, the former Grand Duchess, had died giving birth, so he never received true maternal affection.
That’s why he still clings to a mere maid.
This time too, Edwin must have gifted her jewels along with the wedding ring.
The Marchioness bit her lip.
Edwin favoring Rizaina?
That was possible.
She was his mistress, and the Marchioness had no need to compete with that.
But if Edwin favored Grace, the head maid…
That was unacceptable.
It would mean Trisha may hold the household title, but Grace would become the true power.
If the head maid stole the role of elder and mother figure from her, things would become unbearable.
And I will never tolerate a mere maid acting as if she stands above me.
Thus, the Marchioness began visiting the Mason estate frequently.
As if being thrown out by Edwin had been nothing but a dream.
The servants were confused, wondering if the two had reconciled.
Grace was confused as well.
I thought I had finally become the true elder of the household…
The jewels and ring Edwin had given her carried meaning beyond simple favor.
It felt as though he were offering tribute to an elder of the family.
And for the Marchioness, confirming that fact was like pouring oil onto fire.
“You seem to have been doing well, Head Maid.”
Her gaze slowly swept over Grace.
The necklace on her neck, the bracelet on her wrist—
All of them were priceless.
Gifts from Edwin, no doubt.
“For someone of mere servant status, you certainly look amusing.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Ha! Aren’t you ashamed, belonging to the Mason household?”
Grace lifted her bowed head stiffly.
“But Madam, you are not part of this household either.”
“…What did you say?”
“I have done nothing shameful. Even if I had…”
Grace continued with a soft mocking smile.
“You have no right to point it out in your current position.”
“Silence!”
The Marchioness screamed, unable to contain her fury.
Crash!
Unable to strike Grace directly, she hurled a vase beside her.
At that moment—
“What do you think you’re doing?!”
“E-Edwin?”
Edwin had just returned from an outing and witnessed the confrontation.
His brows furrowed as he looked at the shattered vase.
“What could possibly justify causing such chaos in another family’s home?”
“Another family?! I am your aunt, Edwin!”
“But you belong to House Devon.”
His icy tone froze her expression.
Was he truly going to make her an outsider?
“Your Highness, please calm down. I was the one who made the mistake first.”
Grace hurriedly bowed. In doing so, she cut her hand on the broken glass, blood spilling.
But she didn’t care.
That sight tipped the scales in Edwin’s heart.
“Get up, Grace.”
“But…”
“I am the master of this household. Will you disobey my order?”
Hesitating, Grace rose.
Watching that, the Marchioness’s face twisted.
That vile creature…!
But she could not lash out so easily now.
“The cost of the broken vase will be billed to House Devon.”
“Edwin!”
“And from now on, you must send notice before visiting.”
Even her pleading voice did not move him.
“Understood, Madam?”
Not Aunt.
Madam.
Realizing what that title meant, the Marchioness bit the inside of her cheek.
